Animoto generates custom, professional-looking slideshows from user-uploaded music and photos. Their “patent-pending Cinematic Artificial Intelligence technology and high-end motion design” drives the web app. They say the Cinematic A.I. analyzes users’ photos and music like an actual director and editor. For instance, to analyze music the genre, song structure, energy, rhythm, instrumentation, and vocals are all taken into consideration.

Once completed, videos can be emailed, downloaded and embedded into other sites. The company says no two videos are ever the same.

Animoto’s founders have a good amount of experience in the entertainment industry having produced shows for MTV, Comedy Central and ABC among other things. The company is based in New York City, but also has an office in San Francisco.

Slide and RockYou are Animoto’s biggest competitors, but the company sees them more as potential partners since neither is doing what Animoto is doing.

In May 2008 Amazon funded the startup with an undisclosed amount.

As of June 2008, Animoto videos can be purchased on DVD or downloaded in DVD-quality formats directly from the Animoto website, and users can enjoy their videos on computers, televisions, and even large projection screens.